As your host:
We will provide as much paddling and campground instruction as you feel is needed for you to enjoy a safe experience.
We will provide clean water, clean outhouses, local firewood, and kayaks or canoes with safe PDFs and whistles, paddles, and a map.
We will transport the river equipment to and from landing sites.
As our guest:
You will provide your food, snacks, and drinks (non alcoholic).
You will transport yourself and your fellow guests in your vehicle to and from landing sites and the campground. (Transportation is available with a rate per mile).
You will conduct yourself so that your freedom and actions do not interfere with other guests. Like Jesus said, "Do to others as you would have them do to you."
You will make every effort to follow the Rules of the River and the Campground Guidelines.
IF YOU HAVE:
Any questions? Compliments? Complaints? Ideas? See any staff person! Let's make our Dancing Wildflower Kayak and Camping Adventure better for all.
Expectations
River Rules
Caution! Remember we are guests in this world. The river and the forces of nature are more powerful than we are and are to be respected. Therefore, I remind you to read our river and campsite safety guidelines carefully. Following these Rules of the River will keep you healthy and happy!
Wear your PDF (personal flotation device) always. (If you get knocked out by an overhanging limb or stung by hornets, etc., you won't have time to put on your PDF when you need it.)
Keep your whistle tied to your PDF. Toot it once or twice to get someone's attention. In an emergency (only), blow it 3 short toots, then blow it 3 long blows, and then 3 short toots to signal for help (SOS or Save Our Ship)!
For stability, sit low in your boat. In a canoe, kneeling on the bottom is safe than sitting up on the comfortable seat, so kneel down low if paddling in a difficult section.
When getting in and out of your boat, pull your boat up parallel on the shoreline, you will likely roll over and you may also break the boat in half!
Keep your eyes and ears open for wildlife! You are a visitor so be respectful, be silent, and observe their behavior and beauty. If possible, back off and go around. Stay away from young animals, even if it appears to be abandoned, because the protective parent is likely watching you!
Be aware and avoid poison ivy. "Leaves if three? Let it be!"
Watch overhanging branches for sunning snakes and hornets nests. Stay away! If stung by any critter, cool the bitten part in water or by ice and allow someone else to paddle you back to get medical attention soon. Stay calm.
If you fall in the river, stay with your boat. It won't sink.
Camp Guidelines
We are entering part of God’s creation, so let’s act as if we are guests in His home. Observe the amazing variety of plants and animals. Harm nothing. If you use a plant, for example, Sassafras, to make tea, do so sparingly so others can have the experience alter.
Leave your campsite as great as you found it…litter free, with trees and shrubs unharmed, fire water buckets filled, and the firewood pile covered. Firewood is provided, but please use it as needed just for small, controlled cooking fires. The larger bonfire area is near the water pump.
No hunting allowed. However, fishing in Skip’s pond is free. Also, fishing in the Little Pee Dee River is free if you use live bait on a cane pole. Otherwise, get a fishing license (at Walmart in Marion, SC).
Leave the outhouse seat as clean as you found it.
Do not eat in your tent! Do not store food in your tent! (Unless you would like to have ants, a raccoon, a fox, a bear, a snake or a wild hog join you unexpectedly while you sleep!)
If you put up a temporary clothes line, tie it up high (over 6 feet) so no one gets decapitated while going to the outhouse at 2 a.m.!